The issue of affordability regarding the afterschool care program known as CCARP (Culver City Afterschool Recreation Program) was a magnet for parental attention, and the proposed price increase had been a topic of intense conversation in the community as soon as it was announced. The Council Agenda Item A-3 drew considerably controversy on August 10, 2026.
The conversation had already been heard by the city; what staff presented at the meeting was not an increase in fees, but a proposal to freeze the rate at the current level, and consider how to re-classify or reorganize the program to maintain the support for working families.
Tamar Fuhrer spoke from the podium, saying “The more I looked, the more I questioned whether is was classified correctly…showing CCARP as enrichment. It’s treated as a non-essential program. For working parent of a young child, afterschool care is not optional …it is what allows that parent to work.” She also noted that the Teen Center programs were classified under Health and Human Services, allowing the city to seek a lower ‘recovery rate’ on fees.
Assistant City Manger Adam Troy began by offering “We have had an opportunity to take into consideration additional conversation…We will likely be going forward with the hardship [exemption] to make sure we are taking into consideration those that are most vulnerable…we’d like to buy a little time to look into expanding [the definition of hardship.]”
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Tomás Herrera‑Mishler stated that his view had changed in the last month, “…not seeing this program as a luxury, but really as infrastructure for our economic development. The importance of this program to the families that utilize it is essential.”
The legal standard required to freeze the fees met the obstacle of language; because the staff proposal only addressed the offer of a subsidy, and not a freeze, the wording was substantially different from what was agendized, and could not be voted on at the meeting.
The item will return to the next council meeting, but that will be on September 14, after school is back in session.
It was offered that CCARP families will not be asked to pay the October tuition until after the item is heard on September so that they can propose the fee freeze in an agenda item that can be voted on.
The city will be meeting with the Culver City Unified School District officials, which Troy said he had already initiated for Tuesday, August 11.
How the city categorizes income levels and possible subsidies will be part of the next presentation in September.
Judith Martin-Straw
